William Watson Purkey, an American author, park ranger, Senate page boy, and a Gandy dancer once remarked: “You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching, Love like you'll never be hurt, Sing like there's nobody listening, And live like it's heaven on earth.” Philippians 3:20-21 reminds us: “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.”
"Living like its heaven on earth" is a subjective concept that can identify with the pleasures of a personal trip to a large and comprehensive fairground of life that incorporates every conceivable ride possible. Joy and contentment can be experienced through daily practises, spiritual fulfillment, life’s utopia, or by creating a very pleasant and enjoyable environment. Spiritual interpretations often involve integrating a heavenly mindset into everyday life by embracing peace, love, and joy, often through a relationship with the Almighty one. In a more general sense, it can describe an existence filled with enchantment, which some believe can be achieved by cultivating a sense of love and presence in the moment. The concept of "living like its heaven on earth" is generally considered a highly positive mindset. It typically reflects a state of profound happiness, inner peace, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of life and one's surroundings.
Heaven is envisaged to be a supernatural or divine realm in many religions, typically described as the abode of God, deities, angels, and the souls of the righteous departed. It is often conceived as a place of eternal bliss, peace, and communion with God, and is frequently seen as the ultimate reward for a virtuous life. While the specifics vary by faith, common themes include joy, freedom from suffering, and fulfillment of desires. Heaven is often depicted in religious and spiritual texts using vivid, symbolic imagery that includes lush meadows and streams. These descriptions are meant to identify a scene of profound peace, beauty, and fulfillment. For example, in Christian tradition, the Book of Revelation describes a "river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God" The Bible's Psalm 23 also famously mentions that the Lord "makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters," which is an imagery often associated with a peaceful and abundant afterlife.
Fairgrounds are characterized by a "myriad of colours," "dazzling lights," "booming music," and a mix of "exhilarated screams, delighted squeals and cheerful shouts". This environment is deliberately crafted to provide temporary escape and a sense of otherworldliness from everyday life, inviting playfulness and curiosity rather than clear, rational thought. However, some believe that clarity of mind is essential for a well-lived and fruitful life. Proponents suggest that clarity of purpose, values, and understanding provides direction, reduces anxiety, and enables effective decision-making. From this perspective, seeking clarity is a primary human goal, leading to a more meaningful and controllable existence. Life inherently includes death, as it is a fundamental and natural part of the cycle for all living things. Death is the cessation of biological processes, and from both a biological and philosophical standpoint, it is the natural end to a life on earth, which gives life meaning and purpose. With faith, it can lead to a new life and home. 2 Corinthians 5:8 reminds us: “Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” The saying "home is where the heart is" means that a true home is defined by emotional connection rather than a physical location. It suggests that a home is the place where one feels loved, safe, and comfortable, which is typically where a family and loved ones are. The phrase is a situation of belonging and can be a reminder that one can find "home" anywhere, as long as they involve people that one essentially cares about.
A happy and contented life can include leading a life that follows God’s wishes. The phrase "your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" from the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) is the closest biblical concept to living as if it were heaven on earth. It is not a single narration, but a foundational teaching of Jesus that encourages believers to align their actions and lives with God's will, just as it is perfectly carried out in heaven. This ideal is also represented in descriptions of the New Jerusalem in the book of Revelation, where God dwells with humanity and there is no more suffering or death. Revelation 21:1-4 describes a vision of a "new heaven and a new earth" where God will dwell with humanity, replacing the old order. It signifies a new, eternal reality where suffering is eliminated, and God's presence is constant, with the holy city, New Jerusalem, descending from heaven. The passage promises the end of death, mourning, crying, and pain, as God will "wipe away every tear". The passage reminds us: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
Every new day of life is considered a precious gift from God, with some believers presuming that life should be lived as if there is no tomorrow. The belief that every day of life is a gift from God is a common tenet in many religions, encouraging a mindset of gratitude and appreciation for each moment. This view suggests that even the most challenging days should be accepted as part of God's plan, and individuals should strive to live them purposefully rather than waste them in self-pity or anger. Several of these, advocate the belief that life should be lived as if there is no tomorrow, often interpreting it as a call to live spontaneously, embrace the present, and acting without hesitation.
This philosophy is also found in some religious and spiritual contexts, where it can mean living each day as a last opportunity to do good or serve God. However, this perspective can also be a point of debate, with some cautioning that a literal interpretation could lead to recklessness or neglecting future responsibilities. Steve Chavez, a New Mexico recording artist once remarked: "Live your life like there's no tomorrow, but plan your life as if you'll live forever."
Freedom in life is considered important because it allows individuals to make their own choices, pursue personal goals, and have a sense of control over their lives, which is linked to well-being and happiness. It is essential for personal growth, spiritual development, and the ability to live a life that is authentic and meaningful. While freedom is often seen as a fundamental human desire, the concept can be complex, and too much freedom without structure or responsibility can also lead to anxiety. The phrase "live like there is no tomorrow" is generally understood to mean not to postpone joy, express love, or pursue happiness, rather than engaging in reckless behavior without regard for consequences.
From a philosophical or existential perspective, mankind is seen as fundamentally free and responsible for their choices and actions in life, and seeking or defining one's own individual path can be an act of self-development. Ephesians 2:1-5 reminds us: And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience - among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ - by grace you have been saved. Colossians 3:1-2 advocates that because believers have been "raised with Christ," they should intentionally focus their minds and desires on heavenly matters instead of earthly ones. This involves a spiritual discipline of seeking and programming one's mind on things above, where Christ is seated at God's right hand, reflecting a new identity and perspective shaped by their relationship with God rather than the concerns of the world. It reminds us: “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
Amen.
